The past few months we’ve been playing tourist in our hometown, Las Vegas, and experienced the futuristic marvel that everyone is talking about – Sphere. This cutting-edge domed arena located on the Strip delivers a night of immersive exploration like no other. Brace yourself for a ride into the future, where technology, and entertainment collide to create an unforgettable spectacle.
Sphere Overview: A Sky-High Performance
As you’ve likely seen online, Sphere is the world’s largest spherical structure and an architectural marvel towering over the Las Vegas skyline at over 360 ft. tall. With 580,000 sq. ft. of fully programmable LED exterior, you can see fun animated emojis or crazy patterns flash from across the Strip. Sphere boasts the world’s largest beamforming audio system to create an unparalleled experience for performers and their guests. The view of the outside is great, but it doesn’t compare to what waited for us within.
This one-of-a-kind entertainment destination opened in September 2023 and was designed by Populous. Made possible by the Madison Square Garden Company, Sphere kicked off with 25 performances by U2 and recently announced shows featuring Phish and Dead & Company. If you can’t afford the high ticket prices of these concerts, Sphere is home to the still pricey The Sphere Experience featuring robots, avatar captures, holograms, and Darren Aronofsky’s multi-sensory film Postcard from Earth.
Exhibit Wonderland: Robotic Presenters and Gastronomic Haven
We had the opportunity to check out the Sphere Experience, where the adventure kicks off in a playground for the tech-savvy. For 60 minutes prior to the show, guests are greeted by robotic presenters ushering you into this tech wonderland, create 360-degree AI-generated avatars and gaze up at holographic art installations suspended from the ceiling. This was a very unique Disneyland-esque style experience that we loved, but we wished the surround sound speakers for the robots were louder. With so many people crowding around, it was difficult to hear the robots. If you’d like to get a good listening position, you may have to wait for the presentation to conclude and then step forward when the previous group moves on. Also — the line for creating your own avatar was very long so if you plan on doing that, make sure to show up early.
Not only is Sphere a feast for the senses, it’s a literal feast — so come hungry and thirsty. Multiple restaurants and bars line its different floors, offering a diverse range of cuisine and craft cocktails. We ended up going to Taphouse and Radius Bar for drinks, and Prime Burger for some serious "nom noms," including their waffle fries and hot dogs. Overall the food was just ok and we’d recommend eating beforehand so you only have to rely on the food vendors for drinks and snacks while you check out the rest of the attractions.
The Auditorium Experience: Visual Marvels and Uncomfortable Realities
Steep stairs, narrow aisles — the journey to your seat is an adventure in itself. If members of your group are easily affected by heights, then the stairs might prove difficult as they are pretty disorienting, especially on the way down. Once settled, the 50 minute multi-sensory visual spectacle begins. Postcard From Earth sweeps you away with the world’s largest hi-def screen filled with giraffes, mountains, and missiles, creating a visual celebration of life on Earth from beginning to end. The beginning of the story is filled with beautiful and colorful scenes, showcasing the awesome power of nature and the abundant and diverse life forms within it. However, the story's melancholic end, highlighting the harsh realities of human impact on the world, leaves you with a bittersweet aftertaste. The best part of the seats were that you FEEL everything with precise motion and vibrations synced to the show.
Logistics: Navigating the Sphere and Beating the Crowds
A word of advice: parking and Uber near Sphere can be a bit of a headache. Opt for the Venetian or Wynn, just a 15-20 minute walk away, for a smoother experience. A tunnel connects Sphere to the Venetian, though it may not always be accessible. Beat the crowds after the show and stroll over for a drink or a less hectic rideshare dropoff and pickup.
To beat the post-Sphere crowds, we opted for a pitstop at Canaletto in the Venetian. Indulging in champagne and desserts including their gelato and cannoli, we also checked out Venetian’s indoor botanical garden decked out for Chinese New Year. The vibrant colors and intricate displays added an extra layer of magic to our night.
In a nutshell, the Las Vegas Sphere Experience is a captivating blend of technology, entertainment, and culinary wonders. It's a fun night out that has plenty of Instagram-worthy photo ops and drinks and snacks while offering a glimpse into the future.
For more explorations and insider tips, check out our blog.
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